The conflict involving the US and Israel against Iran is already hitting the Philippines hard, which depends heavily on oil from the region. The transport sector is taking the brunt, as diesel prices have doubled in just weeks, while fare hike petitions remain on hold.

With costs soaring, many PUV drivers have cut trips, stopped operating, or have taken to the streets in protest. The result is thousands of stranded commuters forced to either walk home or wait for the few vehicles still running.

In response, the government has rolled out the Libreng Sakay program, and the Land Transportation Office (LTO) helped out by deploying patrol vehicles to ferry affected passengers home.

The LTO says it has deployed 12 of its patrol vehicles, which are the same units used for law enforcement, to key routes including Aurora Boulevard, E. Rodriguez, Fairview, Las Piñas, Quirino Highway, Commonwealth, Philcoa, Monumento, and Caloocan. More areas across Metro Manila may get additional LTO vehicles as needed.

The next time you spot an LTO patrol vehicle on the road, it may be helping bring a stranded commuter, possibly even your loved one, safely home amid the transport strikes.